We started our drift approx. 72 nm out of St. Augustine to the Southeast in 1,450 ft of water.
By 2:30 AM, the wind shifted to the North and began to blow 15+ knots. Seas built a bit and it got noticably rougher, but still manageable - our limit is two over the gunnals and then we go home, but that never happened.
At 3:30 AM, the line at 200' starts SCREAMING like a freight train hit it. Went tight on the drag and pulled the hook immediately. By that time, the 300' line was already on it's way up. That's when I noticed a slight twitch in the rod tip. I told the guy winding it up to not touch it. The fish that I had missed on the 200' line was now going after the 300' line (which was probably at 250').
I let the fish play with it for a minute and then went tight on the drag once I knew he had it.
My father always gets the first sword - that's the rule. So my father gets on the 50W as the fish continues to dump line like there's no tomorrow. I could not stop the fish without pulling the hook, and backing down in 4' tight seas in the dark would not have been a good idea. I turn the boat towards the fish and started chasing it. Even while chasing the fish, line was still coming off the real, albiet at a slower rate. Jeff Lentz, our friend and fellow angler, kept me informed on the position of the line and the fish during the fight.
It took 1 hour to get the fish to the back of the boat. When we did, we now realized why it took so much line and why the fight was so tough. The fish was hooked in the Pelvic fin. Jeff sharpens all our swordfish hooks and if they as much as sniff them, they're getting hooked.
During the fight, the fish lost it's steam and ended up drowning. As I grabbed the leader, which usually exerts more force then the drag, the hook popped out. Jeff was ready with the gaff and reached over and grabbed it.
The fish was dead when we brought it boat side - there weren't any high-fives or congratulations. Even though we did keep the fish, it's kind of disappointing to have the fish drown. It doesn't leave one a choice as to whether to release or not.
Here's a video of the catch:
93# Swordfish Video
I thought the fish was around 78#, but the next day, around 12 hours later, it weighed in at 93#.
Shark
Another Shark
Wahoo
93# Swordfish
Comments
Just wanted to let you know that your site is top notch.I enjoyed the Sword video.I mate on a couple private boats at the Conch House for the last 10 yrs.but neither of the owners are as serious as I would like.Trolled the ledge Sat. with not much luck.
I enjoy your posts on the forum,and wish I could get way out as much as you do.
If you're ever looking to train a new crew member, I would love the chance.I am a single 34 yr.old, with no kids, and no pets, and lots of time to fish.
Just looking to take my knowledge to the next level,with more of an experienced team.
Take care man,I'll listen for you out there.
Rick Whitley
"So Fine" 40"Chris Craft Sportfish"
"Jana B" 46" Ocean
Posted by: Rick Whitley 3/15/2004 6:39:21 PM
(IP Address logged)
Thank you sir... I appreciate the compliments and will keep you in mind. We're always looking for fresh 'victims'. :) Give me a call offshore sometime. See you out there! - Erez
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